Format: Live instructor-led online training via Zoom / Microsoft Teams

Renewable Energy Site Suitability Mapping Training Course

Renewable Energy Site Suitability Mapping is a specialized training program designed to equip participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills in identifying, evaluating, and mapping optimal locations for renewable energy projects using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, spatial analysis, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), and geospatial modeling technologies. As the global demand for clean energy continues to rise, governments, utility companies, investors, and development organizations increasingly rely on geospatial technologies to support sustainable energy planning and climate change mitigation efforts. This course provides participants with the expertise required to assess solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal energy resources and identify suitable sites for renewable energy development while minimizing environmental, social, and economic risks.

The course introduces participants to modern renewable energy mapping techniques utilizing satellite imagery, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), meteorological data, land use and land cover datasets, GPS surveys, drone technology, and cloud-based geospatial platforms. Participants will learn how to collect, process, analyze, and integrate spatial and environmental datasets to evaluate resource potential, infrastructure accessibility, environmental constraints, and economic feasibility. Through practical exercises and case studies, participants will gain hands-on experience in renewable energy resource assessment, suitability modeling, site selection analysis, and geospatial decision-making using industry-standard GIS software and analytical tools.

Organizations involved in energy planning, environmental management, infrastructure development, climate resilience, investment analysis, and sustainable development require reliable geospatial intelligence to support renewable energy deployment. This course develops participants’ competencies in energy resource mapping, suitability analysis, environmental impact assessment, risk analysis, spatial optimization, and energy infrastructure planning. Participants will explore how GIS and Remote Sensing technologies can be integrated with renewable energy planning frameworks to improve project efficiency, reduce development costs, and enhance sustainability outcomes.

By combining theoretical foundations with practical applications, this training empowers participants to design and implement renewable energy site suitability assessments that support strategic energy planning and investment decisions. Participants will acquire the technical skills required to develop suitability maps, evaluate renewable energy potential, assess environmental and social constraints, and support evidence-based policy formulation. Upon successful completion, participants will be able to contribute to clean energy transitions, sustainable infrastructure development, and climate-smart energy planning through advanced geospatial technologies.

Course Objectives

1.     Understand the principles and concepts of renewable energy site suitability mapping.

2.     Apply GIS and Remote Sensing technologies in renewable energy planning.

3.     Conduct solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal resource assessments.

4.     Develop renewable energy suitability maps using spatial analysis techniques.

5.     Perform multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for site selection.

6.     Assess environmental and socioeconomic constraints affecting renewable energy projects.

7.     Evaluate infrastructure accessibility and grid connectivity requirements.

8.     Develop geospatial databases for renewable energy planning.

9.     Generate renewable energy reports, maps, and decision-support products.

10.  Design and implement renewable energy site selection and planning projects.

Organization Benefits

1.     Improved renewable energy planning and investment decisions.

2.     Enhanced identification of optimal renewable energy project sites.

3.     Reduced project development costs and risks.

4.     Improved environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

5.     Enhanced energy resource assessment and monitoring capabilities.

6.     Strengthened GIS and Remote Sensing technical capacity.

7.     Improved compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.

8.     Better support for clean energy transition initiatives.

9.     Enhanced evidence-based decision-making and policy development.

10.  Strengthened sustainable infrastructure planning and development.

Target Participants

·       Renewable Energy Specialists

·       GIS Specialists

·       Remote Sensing Analysts

·       Energy Planners

·       Environmental Managers

·       Infrastructure Development Professionals

·       Climate Change Specialists

·       Utility Company Personnel

·       Engineers and Technicians

·       Environmental Consultants

·       Government Energy Officers

·       Researchers and Academics

·       Development Practitioners

·       Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists

·       Investment and Project Analysts

·       Project Managers

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Renewable Energy Site Suitability Mapping

·       Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Systems

·       Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies

·       Principles of GIS and Remote Sensing

·       Site Suitability Analysis Concepts

·       Energy Planning Frameworks

·       Case Study: National Renewable Energy Development Strategy

Module 2: GIS and Remote Sensing for Renewable Energy Applications

·       Spatial Data Sources for Energy Planning

·       Satellite Imagery Applications

·       Digital Elevation Models and Terrain Analysis

·       GPS and Field Data Collection Techniques

·       Geospatial Database Development

·       Case Study: Renewable Energy GIS Database Project

Module 3: Solar Energy Resource Assessment

·       Solar Radiation Mapping Techniques

·       Solar Resource Data Analysis

·       Terrain and Shadow Analysis

·       Solar Farm Site Selection Criteria

·       Solar Suitability Modeling

·       Case Study: Utility-Scale Solar Energy Project

Module 4: Wind Energy Site Suitability Analysis

·       Wind Resource Assessment Methods

·       Wind Speed and Direction Analysis

·       Topographic Influences on Wind Resources

·       Wind Farm Site Selection Criteria

·       Wind Energy Suitability Mapping

·       Case Study: Wind Power Development Assessment

Module 5: Hydropower Resource Mapping

·       Hydrological Resource Assessment

·       River Basin and Watershed Analysis

·       Hydropower Potential Estimation

·       Site Selection for Hydropower Projects

·       Environmental Considerations for Hydropower

·       Case Study: Small Hydropower Development Project

Module 6: Biomass Energy Resource Assessment

·       Biomass Resource Inventory Development

·       Agricultural Residue Mapping

·       Forestry Biomass Assessment

·       Biomass Supply Chain Analysis

·       Biomass Energy Suitability Modeling

·       Case Study: Biomass Energy Development Program

Module 7: Geothermal Energy Mapping

·       Geothermal Resource Assessment Principles

·       Geological and Geophysical Data Analysis

·       Geothermal Potential Mapping

·       Site Suitability Assessment Techniques

·       Risk and Feasibility Analysis

·       Case Study: Geothermal Exploration Project

Module 8: Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) for Site Selection

·       Principles of MCDA

·       Criteria Identification and Weighting

·       Spatial Overlay Analysis Techniques

·       Suitability Modeling Methods

·       Sensitivity Analysis

·       Case Study: Integrated Renewable Energy Site Selection

Module 9: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

·       Environmental Constraints Analysis

·       Biodiversity and Ecosystem Considerations

·       Land Use and Land Cover Assessment

·       Social Impact Assessment Techniques

·       Stakeholder Engagement Processes

·       Case Study: Renewable Energy Environmental Assessment

Module 10: Infrastructure and Grid Connectivity Analysis

·       Power Grid Mapping Techniques

·       Accessibility and Transportation Analysis

·       Infrastructure Suitability Assessment

·       Energy Transmission Planning

·       Cost Optimization Analysis

·       Case Study: Grid Connectivity Assessment Project

Module 11: Geospatial Decision Support Systems

·       Renewable Energy Information Systems

·       Dashboard Development and Visualization

·       Web GIS Applications

·       Decision Support Tools

·       Data Sharing and Collaboration Platforms

·       Case Study: Renewable Energy Decision Support Platform

Module 12: Reporting, Policy Development and Sustainable Energy Planning

·       Renewable Energy Reporting Frameworks

·       Monitoring and Evaluation Systems

·       Energy Policy Development

·       Regulatory Compliance and Standards

·       Sustainable Energy Planning Strategies

·       Case Study: National Renewable Energy Action Plan

General Information

1.     Customized Training: All our courses can be tailored to meet the specific needs of participants.

2.     Language Proficiency: Participants should have a good command of the English language.

3.     Comprehensive Learning: Our training includes well-structured presentations, practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and collaborative group work. Our facilitators are seasoned experts with over a decade of experience.

4.     Certification: Upon successful completion of training, participants will receive a certificate from Foscore Development Center (FDC-K).

5.     Training Locations: Training sessions are conducted at Foscore Development Center (FDC-K) centers. We also offer options for in-house and online training, customized to the client's schedule.

6.     Flexible Duration: Course durations are adaptable, and content can be adjusted to fit the required number of days.

7.     Onsite Training Inclusions: The course fee for onsite training covers facilitation, training materials, two coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and a Certificate of Successful Completion. Participants are responsible for their travel expenses, airport transfers, visa applications, dinners, health/accident insurance, and personal expenses.

8.     Additional Services: Accommodation, pickup services, freight booking, and visa processing arrangements are available upon request at discounted rates.

9.     Equipment: Tablets and laptops can be provided to participants at an additional cost.

10.  Post-Training Support: We offer one year of free consultation and coaching after the course.

11.  Group Discounts: Register as a group of more than two and enjoy a discount ranging from 10% to 50%.

12.  Payment Terms: Payment should be made before the commencement of the training or as mutually agreed upon, to the Foscore Development Center account. This ensures better preparation for your training.

13.  Contact Us: For any inquiries, please reach out to us at training@fdc-k.org or call us at +254712260031.

14.  Website: Visit our website at www.fdc-k.org for more information.